TOMS RIVER, NJ – A New Jersey law known as the Stolen Valor Act makes it a criminal offense to falsely claim military service or honors for personal gain, imposing strict penalties on those who attempt to deceive the public by impersonating members or veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces or organized militia.
Now, Joseph Rudy Rullo, a candidate for Governor in New Jersey said if he is elected to office, he will create a stolen valor registry similar to the Megan’s Law registry for sex offenders.
“Stolen Valor is not a victimless crime,” Rullo said. “Our service members sacrificed themselves and their lives to serve our country. Many gave the ultimate sacrifice. Grifters who use stolen valor to defraud, deceive and cheat the system to get benefits or even deals at stores they don’t deserve need to be identified.”
Rullo said the public has the right to know whether or not somebody claiming to be a veteran is a scam artist, before they become a victim of their next scam, using false military service to commit crimes against the public.
Under the statute (N.J.S.A. 38A:14-5), anyone who knowingly misrepresents themselves as a member or veteran of the military by wearing uniforms, medals, or insignia with the intent to impersonate and deceive is guilty of a fourth-degree crime.
The penalties become more severe when such deception is used to obtain money, property, or other tangible benefits. If the amount obtained is less than $75,000, offenders can be charged with a third-degree crime, carrying a minimum fine of $1,000. If the benefit exceeds $75,000, the crime escalates to a second-degree offense, which can result in harsher penalties, including substantial prison time.
The law also specifically addresses those who falsely claim to have received military medals or decorations. Impersonators who leverage such claims for financial or material gain face similar third- or second-degree charges based on the amount obtained.
Funds collected through fines under this act are allocated to the Military Dependents Scholarship Fund, a state program designed to provide financial aid to the dependents of military personnel pursuing higher education.
The New Jersey Stolen Valor Act aligns with federal laws targeting military impersonation and underscores the state’s commitment to preserving the dignity of military service and protecting the public from fraudulent schemes.